HiFi-Link for PC FAQ

Q. How is the HiFi-Link different from a standard cable that I can buy from Radio Shack?

A. A standard cable from Radio Shack necessarily means that you're using the computer's soundcard to process all signals. Generic soundcards are a typically poor source for high fidelity audio simply because they act as rudimentary audio processors for output devices such as headphones and multimedia speakers.

In comparison, the HiFi-Link is able to produce high fidelity audio because of its specialized focus on connecting to stereo equipment and the inclusion of distinct components to achieve this. Enjoy superb frequency response and defined imaging that comes from the integration of a 20-bit precision DAC. It's never been easier to really make your music sound more natural and vibrant with loads of presence.

Soundcards also reside in the noisy environment that exists inside a computer's case caused by electromagnetic radiation that emits from all unshielded components. Since the HiFi-Link operates as an entirely external device, it is effectively isolated from this form of interference.

So while it may be possible to run a cable from your soundcard to a home stereo system, the type of audio that you'll be sending won't necessarily be the same outstanding quality that the HiFi-Link can produce. This type of thing becomes very noticeable once you start playing music, because a poorer signal becomes more obvious when driving it through a high fidelity amplifier and set of decent speakers.

The other thing to keep in mind is that the HiFi-Link also includes 30 feet of shielded studio audio cable that has been matched with the output characteristics of the HiFi-Link to provide a pure signal with no high frequency roll off. We've devised the entire package to give you a true audiophile experience, all for only $49.95.

Q. How is this different from burning a CD on my computer and playing it through my stereo? Why wouldn't someone just do that?

A. There are basically two reasons why burning a CD isn't a better solution to using a HiFi-Link. The first is that internet radio and streaming audio are real time operations that can't be burnt onto CD because the audio is never actually saved on the computer's hard drive. With internet radio now offering CD quality music and genre specific content, it represents an exceptional way of enjoying high fidelity music without using search engines or consuming time downloading. The second reason to use a HiFi-Link over CD is because of CDs limited storage space. You might get 12 songs on a CD in a format that your home stereo could play, while a computer hard drive can store thousands of songs. With a computer, you can generate a random playlist that could run for weeks without repeating a single song. CDs are a great for liberating MP3s where portability is required, but when you're dealing with home stereo equipment something like the HiFi-Link makes far more sense.

Q. Can you use the HiFi-Link with multiple computers?

A. Because of its USB connectivity, the HiFi-Link is a totally portable solution that can be transferred freely between many computers. So for example, you could use a HiFi-Link on your laptop at home, unplug it, and then use it on your desktop system at work. It's that simple to swap around because it uses the operating system's generic drivers. Once it's plugged in, it automatically becomes the output device without needing to change any settings. When you're done, all you have to do is unplug it and your system automatically reverts back to the way it originally was.

Q. Is there software involved, if so, how easy is it to install and what are the requirements?

A. The beauty of the HiFi-Link is its simplicity. There are no special drivers required, installing quickly and easily using the generic drivers of the operating system. Being a USB interface means that the installation process is as simple as plugging it in to any USB port on your computer.

Q. The HiFi-Link is a digital to analog converter. What does that mean and why is it important?

A. The HiFi-Link is a digital to analog converter that takes digital data from the USB and processes this into an optimum audio signal. The reason that the HiFi-Link does this conversion is because most home stereo equipment accepts music in an analog format. By using a HiFi-Link, you ensure that the conversion process results in the best possible signal that your home stereo can process and play.

Q. Why is the digital to analog conversion so good with the HiFi-Link?

A. The HiFi-Link offers excellent digital to analog conversion because of its unique integration of technology and design otherwise found in stereo equipment. It differs from other solutions by maintaining an exceptionally pure signal and providing a faithful reproduction of the original audio free from colorization or processing effects. This pure signal ensures your stereo receives an accurate representation of the original source that it can then reproduce using its own sophisticated technology. The goal in using a HiFi-Link is to provide a signal that is unencumbered by effects or other processing so that the stereo can use its own typically superior equalizers and effects for the best musical experience.